Gravediggers @ Civil Service Sept 1st 2023

On a picturesque sunny evening, the Walnut Taverners paid a visit to the Gravediggers in the historical Civil Service CC in the heart of Phoenix Park.

With the famous Wellington Monument as a backdrop, our hosts took to the crease first and managed to post a commendable total of 103 runs in a shortened 16-over match due to fading daylight.

The Walnut's bowling, led by Jan, Colin, Cyril, and the standout man of the match, Gerry, kept the Gravediggers' scoring in check.

In response, the Walnuts clinched victory with 5 balls to spare, thanks to solid contributions with the bat, including 20s from Liam and Gerry, and some impressive power hitting from Jan. Colin and Damian masterminded the final runs, sealing our season on a high note.

Following the thrilling match, both teams gathered at the Civil Service pavilion to savor refreshing beers and enjoy each other's company. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to our gracious hosts for their warm hospitality, much-needed post-match sandwiches, and eagerly anticipate hosting them in Terenure next season, perhaps even entertaining the idea of a return match at Civil Service....

Walnuts Win under the Tree.

Dalkey Match Poem:

On a murky evening the Walnuts came to play

The Dalkey Archives, and both teams made hay

Bowling first the Walnuts swung and spun

As Dalkey scored just over a tonne

Liam, Philip,Brian, Eddie and Damian deserve a tip of the hat

As the Walnuts fielded with the determination of a Transylvanian bat*

Damian found a thick outside nick

Sean took a great catch - but his finger a slight prick

Garret took a fearless blow, ball to the chest

He was in some pain, he later confessed

Peadar's keeping was as sharp as an axe

He flung himself about - most definitely not lax

Ian fielded with the agility of a gazelle

Diving, stopping, determined  - he never once fell

With bat in hand the Walnuts kept in touch

Liam, Gerry and Colin's batting was quite lush**

Brian kept the score ticking along

While Liam smashed the ball as cool as Bob Marley with a bong

Gerry played a pivotal knock

Everyone was impressed on the mean streets of Blackrock

So in the end Colin and Eddie got over the line

And we all headed for some Pimms, just in time

Parma ham was eaten, red wine was sipped

As we reflected on a win that we just pipped

Next door the Rock old boys met up for the night

The tapered chinos were worn - Christ what a sight

Many thanks to Dalkey, a wonderful host

Charming, engaging, respectful - I will raise a toast

We all struck off into the Blackrock night sky

Ross O'Carroll Kelly would be proud - although cycling home I never did up my fly

Some people looked, some people gaped

And when I got home my fly was taped

In I went, wine in hand

I drank it all to get through Tubridy's second to last stand

Fare thee well, onwards to the Knights

Will we regain the plate? I hope we might